The business preparedness for a natural disaster, such as the flood, is essential for the minimization of losses and destructions caused by the flood. At the same time, the business cannot always avoid negative effects because the disaster strikes and its impact may be overwhelming. However, the degree of preparedness of the business for the disaster and emergency often defines damages and destructions caused by the disaster. Hence, the business should come prepared to the disaster.

In this regard, it is possible to recommend several activities that can enhance the preparedness of the business to the disaster and, therefore, to minimize negative effects, if the disaster strikes. First of all, the increase of the risk perception is one of the crucial activities that the business should undertake to come prepared to the disaster. The problem of many businesses and their employees is the low risk perception. The study conducted by Greeen (2008) revealed the fact that only 15% of unflooded businesses believed the flood was very likely, while the half believed the flood was unlikely and this trend could be traced in flooded businesses and previously unflooded ones (Green, 2008, p.4). Even previously flooded businesses had about a third of those, who believed the flood was likely (Green, 2008, p.4). In fact, they just do not believe that the disaster can strike any time. As a result, the low risk perception leads to the low preparedness of the business to the disaster. If the business owners and employees are conscious of the risk, they can undertake other activities to come prepared to the disaster. If their risk perception is low, they will hardly do anything to prevent the disaster or to minimize its negative effects, if it strikes.

Second, the increase of the preparedness for the flood is also crucial. The business should be aware of the risk of the disaster, such as the flood. The understanding of the risk and possible effects of the disaster is crucial for its prevention. Therefore, the business can prepare for the disaster, such as the flood. For instance, the business can construct the facilities in such a way that people and valuable equipment can be easily moved to the safe place out of reach of the high water. Also, the business should provide employees with effective ways to the possible evacuation or prepare basic transportation vehicles. In terms of preparedness for such a disaster as flood, the business should create the stock of lifejackets, food, potable water and other vitally important items for all of its employees. In such a way, employees will be able to survive even if the disaster strikes unexpectedly.

Furthermore, the training of employees to come prepared in case of the flood or other disasters. In fact, employees should be aware of the fact that they have to act properly, in case of the disaster. They should know what to do, if the disaster strikes. In such a way, they will minimize the threat to their own life and health and they will be able to save valuable items and equipment. The training of employees can help them to develop basic skills which may be crucial in the time of the disaster. For instance, if employees receive training on reanimation and first medical aid, they will be able to help each other, if some employees are injured during the disaster.

In this regard, the disaster planning and emergency planning is another important activity for the business to undertake. In fact, the planning is crucial because it facilitates actions of employees of the business in the time of the disaster. For instance, if they have to evacuate, the disaster planning will provide them with clear plan how to evacuate. Therefore, employees will not waste their time on what to do. Instead, they will just act according to the disaster plan that will save time, resources and, thus, will save their life, secure their health and business property.

Finally, the improvement of the business collaboration with the local community is essential, because this collaboration will facilitate the mitigation and further recovery of both the business and community after the disaster has struck. The business cannot stay aside of the community, when the disaster strikes. Instead, the business should collaborate closely to resist to the disaster and to minimize its negative effects. However, such collaboration should start before the disaster strikes. Otherwise, its effectiveness decreases substantially. The business should develop close relations with the local community concerning the disaster planning and management. For instance, the business may provide its vehicle to the local community, while the local community will provide the business with the stock of the potable water and food, if the disaster strikes.

Thus, the overall preparedness of the business is crucial for the fast recovery and minimization of damages and losses, if the disaster strikes.